First of all, what is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is an uncontrolled growth of breast cells, often known as a malignant tumour. Cancer develops due to mutations or abnormal changes in the genes responsible for regulating the growth of cells. The term ‘breast cancer’ refers to a malignant (cancerous) tumour that has developed from cells in the breast. Breast cancer usually either begins in the cells of our milk-producing glands (lobules), or the passages that drain milk from the lobules to the nipple (ducts).

Did you know?

Breast cancer can affect both women and men. Around 400 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK.

Women who are diagnosed with breast cancer now are twice as likely to survive their disease for at least ten years compared to forty years ago.

In 2011 around 49,900 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK. That’s more than 130 women every day.

Around 8 in 10 breast cancers are diagnosed in women aged 50 and over.

In 2012 around 11,600 women died from breast cancer in the UK. That’s around 32 every day.

In 2012 around 1,200 deaths from breast cancer occurred in women aged under 50 in the UK.

My Story

This is a part of my life I don’t talk a lot about, it’s very personal to me and quite overwhelming. In March of 2013, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, which came as a massive shock to both my family and myself. Since then, the road hasn’t been easy as she’s the only parent I have and facing possibility that I could lose her so soon is something I can’t bear to think about.

She’s always been a fighter and it’s almost been two years now. After many surgeries and treatments, she’s now waiting for her breast re-constructive surgery, scheduled for this February (yay!).

I’ve never known how much you could be at risk if a relative has been diagnosed before the age of 50. Last year, Angelina Jolie made headlines everywhere about her voluntary double mastectomy. Since her mother had sufferered from breast cancer, she had an 87% chance of developing it herself due to her genetic history, a faulty gene that she had inherited from her mother called BCRA1.

Not long ago, I discovered a marble-sized lump in my breast following a few other signs, and a few days later, I discovered a similar one in the same breast. I remained as calm as I could, but nothing can stop the floodgates of worry and panic. Having seen my mother breaking the news to my siblings and I, watching her struggle with day to day life with the treatments, it terrified me.

After visiting the doctor and scheduling in a mammogram, they discovered that the lumps were actually benign breast tumours called fibroadenomas. This is due to an abnormal growth in the tissue and is non-cancerous, which was a relief! I could have surgery to have them removed but I’m currently too afraid to at this moment, because of the scars. After this recently happening it has given me a wake up call to remind ladies and men out there to check themselves as frequently as possible. Having known this could have been something serious, it has definitely made me more cautious.

Love your breasts!

Before anything I would like to clarify something that not many talk about. Your relationship with your wonderful breasts. Unfortunately, due to the media, the minds of many women today are corrupted regarding how they perceive their bodies and overall appearance.

Instead of wishing you had bigger, smaller or rounder boobs, take some time to appreciate and love yourself and your features just as they are! I think a lot of women today take breasts for granted and we don’t actually realise how important it is to love and care for our breasts.

Another thing I must stress is please don’t sleep with a bra on! Give your breasts a rest from being tightly held up when it’s time for bed. If it bothers you too much going without a bra when sleeping, slip into a sports bra (without an underwire) so that you feel more comfortable and your girls feel nice and snug.

Now, time for girl talk. Don’t be too shy to share the love with your breasts by giving them daily massages.
Breast massages help to rid of unhealthy toxins that can build up in breast tissue, increase circulation and supposedly help to keep your breasts supple. They can also help relieve breast pain.

Not only are breast massages important for this, but are the key cornerstone in familiarising yourself with your breasts and making you aware of what is normal for you when checking them.

How To Check Yourself

Although breast cancer is more prevalent in women over the age of 50, I feel it is just as important for younger ladies to check their breasts as early detection can save lives. Especially if your family has a history of breast cancer, or just a relative. It is important for you to self-examine your breasts at least once a month.

Here are the ways in which you can check your breasts

Use two/three fingers.

With your fingers make circular-like motions across the upper, middle and lower region of your breast.

What if my breasts are showing these signs?

If you are on your period around the time you examine yourself, it is best to wait until the end of your menstrual cycle. A lot of women often confuse menstrual symptoms with breast cancer such as the swelling of breasts, tenderness and possibly lumps. Most breast lumps are not cancerous but it is always better to be safe than sorry.

However, if you know these signs are not normal for you and your family has a history of cancer, or you are just a little worried; you should see your GP for further examination, advice and where to take it from there. After examining your breasts, you may be referred to a specialist breast clinic for further tests or to your local hospital for a mammography (breast screening).

If you would like to talk to anyone about breast cancer and would like some support, I highly recommend Macmillan Cancer Support. They were amazing to my mother and we are forever grateful for that.